Gender entrapment: An exploratory study of the link between gender-identity development, violence against women, race/ethnicity and crime among African American battered women.
Item
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Title
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Gender entrapment: An exploratory study of the link between gender-identity development, violence against women, race/ethnicity and crime among African American battered women.
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Identifier
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AAI9304723
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identifier
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9304723
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Creator
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Richie, Beth Elaine.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Judith Lorber
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Date
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1992
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Sociology, Criminology and Penology | Sociology, Individual and Family Studies | Women's Studies
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Abstract
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This dissertation describes a theoretical model that explains how some African American battered women are lured, coerced or forced into crime in response to violence in their intimate relationships. The theoretical model, which is called Gender Entrapment, explains how some battered women are penalized for activities they are involved in even when those activities are logical extensions of their gender-identities, the culturally constructed gender roles, and the violence they experience from their male partners. These women are arrested and detained in correctional facilities, labeled "criminals" rather than "victims of a crime.".;Using the life-history interviewing method of data collection and the grounded theory method of qualitative analysis, this exploratory study linked the subjects gender-identity development in their households of origin, the culturally constructed loyalty to African American men, and the nature of violence in their intimate relationships to their involvement in various crimes. The sample was comprised of 26 African American battered women detained at the Rose M. Singer Jail on Rikers Island Correctional Facility in New York City. Two comparison groups were used to refine the theoretical model. Five White women were interviewed to isolate the impact of race/ethnicity and six African American women who were not battered were interviewed to isolate the effects of violence. A distinct pattern existed in the three subgroups, indicating how the dynamics of gender entrapment.;In addition to exploring the link between the aforementioned factors, the dissertation reports on the impact of deteriorating social conditions on the African American community, the increased incarceration rate of women, the impact of illegal drug use of family life, and the lack of culturally sensitive crisis intervention services for African American women who are battered. The biased practices of police and other criminal justice institutions furthered their gender entrapment. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of the legal implications of gender entrapment and a proposal to incorporate a feminist perspective into the analysis of problems facing the African American community.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
